Next Generation Partners

Projects and energy in Czech Republic

Dentons

Dentons is known for its advice on a wide range of energy projects, with experience in the renewable, oil and gas sectors.  Clients particularly praise the team’s ‘extensive international experience that can be used to deal effectively with foreign matters.’ Its top-flight transactional offering, led by team head Petr Zákoucký, advises on M&A, capital markets and other property deals. The team also gives regulatory advice, covering environmental assessments and commodities trading. Petr Slach focuses on regulated energy industries in this context. It also offers contentious advice with associate Barbora Obračajová a key name here.

Practice head(s):

Petr Zákoucký

Other key lawyers:

Petr Slach; Barbora Obračajová

Testimonials

‘I appreciate that the Dentons team has extensive international experience that can be used to deal effectively with foreign matters.’

Key clients

Sev.en Energy

KKCG/MND

Veolia

EPH

Draslovka Holding / bpd partners

ENERGO-PRO

Pražská energetika

SPP Distribucia

Work highlights

  • Advising Sev.en Energy on its acquisition of the Počerady power plant from the energy group ČEZ.
  • Representing Veolia before the Supreme Administrative Court in the disputes concerning the reimbursement of illegal gift tax on emission allowances and related interest.

Kinstellar

Kinstellar's team has ‘good insight into local energy-related legal and regulatory matters’, and it attracts a strong flow of international referrals in relation to energy projects in the Czech Republic. Led by Kamil Blažek, the team acts for leading Czech clients on the acquisition of energy projects. It also assists with legislative matters; associate Michal Forýtek is a name to note in this space. The team also offers cross-border expertise, leveraging its CEE office network, as well as support on contentious matters. Associate Jan Lehký advises on arbitrations and real estate transactions. Karla Rundtová is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Kamil Blažek

Testimonials

‘Experienced team from the energy sector, M&A and competition law. Good insight into local energy-related legal and regulatory matters.’

‘Kamil Blazek from the Prague office brought thorough knowledge and help in constructing complex M&A projects in energy field, incl. commercial and market practice insights.’

Key clients

Veolia

NET4GAS

ČEPS

EnBW

ČEZ

Ezpada

Goldman Sachs International

Allianz Infrastructure

DXT Commodities

Nexen Tire Corporation

OMERS Infrastructure

innogy

Charge4Europe GmbH

Liberty Steel

Kommunalkredit Austria

Kepler Trading

Citi

Work highlights

  • Advising Veolia on its acquisition of one of the largest district heating companies in the Czech Republic.
  • Advising on PPP project for design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the D4 highway.
  • Advising Net4Gas on the construction of the Capacity4Gas gas interconnector.

Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář

The infrastructure and projects team at Skils s.r.o. advokátní kancelář is particularly known for its work on transportation infrastructure matters, where it provides corporate and contractual law expertise. On energy matters, it provides key transactional support to leading Czech energy companies, as well as advising on project developments. The team also advises on sector-specific regulations and litigation, with a particular emphasis on environmental and competition cases. Karel Muzikář leads the team. Also recommended are Petr Severa and Martin Kramář, who advise on M&A and project development respectively.

Practice head(s):

Karel Muzikar

Other key lawyers:

Petr Severa; Martin Kramář

Key clients

CEZ Group

Ceska sporitelna

Property, Administrative and Delimitation Union of Trade Unions

Czech Road and Motorway Directorate

Inven Capital

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelář

White & Case, s.r.o., advokátní kancelář is a strong choice for advice on the development of key power infrastructure projects in the Czech Republic and further afield internationally. The Prague office notably excels in providing procurement, finance and M&A advice on projects involving multiple jurisdictions, including traditional oil and gas projects, as well as renewables matters. ‘Top of the class lawyer’ Vít Stehlík leads the team, advising on development projects with a growing emphasis on PPP projects. Jan Linda and associate David Wilhelm are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Vít Stehlík

Other key lawyers:

Jan Linda; David Wilhelm

Testimonials

‘We can always rely on W&C with complicated matters. We intentionally choose them to work for us on complex projects and transactions since they are capable of getting into our shoes and roles almost instantly like they have been doing the business themselves for decades. They are always available and flexible to help with urgent matters instantly. Their experience originates in the biggest projects and transactions ever done in the Czech Republic, so one can say that they have seen and done everything, which is very relieving and give us huge comfort.’

‘Vit Stehlik – top of the class lawyer, absolutely aligned with all client’s needs, stunning knowledge of business and law and unique ability to combine both to achieve client’s goals; last but not least, very honest, fair and positive personality David Wilhelm – talented do-er with clear and sharp thinking through complex matters.’

Key clients

Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic

ČEZ Group

NET4GAS, s.r.o.

ŠKODA JS a.s.

Energetický a průmyslový holding, a.s.

Bonatrans Group a.s.

MVM Group

Work highlights

  • Provided the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic with legal advisory services in relation to the first-ever Czech PPP infrastructure/road project.
  • Advised MVM on the acquisition of the entire share capital in innogy Česká republika.
  • Advised NET4GAS, s.r.o on a CZK-denominated dual-tranche bond offering of CZK 11bn.

CMS

CMS advises companies on their major investment and disposals in the Czech Republic, offering both Czech and English law expertise. The team is particularly known for its renewables work, acting on transactions and regulatory matters in the solar and wind sectors, and it also has a growing presence in the nuclear sector. UK-qualified senior associate Eliska Copland is noted for her oil and gas expertise. Lukáš Janíček leads the team. Associate Lenka Krutáková advises on procurement matters.

Practice head(s):

Lukáš Janíček

Other key lawyers:

Eliska CoplandLenka Krutáková

Key clients

CEE Equity Partners

Vinci

Meridiam

EnerCap Capital

Sev.en Energy

Enery Development

Fortum

Skoda JS

Cube Infrastructure

CSPP Construction

Work highlights

  • Advising Vinci and Meridiam on the Czech Republic’s first road PPP Project.
  • Advised a fund managed by CEE Equity Partners on the sale of Energy 21.

Kocián Šolc Balaštík

Fielding ‘a stable team of experts’, Kocián Šolc Balaštík advises on the development of energy projects, project finance and compliance and contractual issues. It has been heavily involved in projects involving waste-from-energy, and it also advises companies on dealing with state environmental regulations. Václav Rovenský is known for his financing advice and for his work with international investors. He co-heads the practice with Tomáš Sequens, who has experience of advising companies on green energy transitions.

Practice head(s):

Václav Rovenský; Tomáš Sequens

Testimonials

‘KŠB is a comprehensive law firm with a stable team of experts. ’

‘In mutual cooperation, we especially appreciate the insight into professional issues and the ability to realistically evaluate possible procedural and factual steps. And also the ability to orient oneself very quickly and thus significantly support the business targets of our company.’

Key clients

Asental Land

Správa úložišť radioaktivních odpadů

Green Gas DPB

Companies from the REMA Group

Tapas Borek

Teplárna Kladno

Teplárna Loučovice

Energy Ústí nad Labem

ČZ

Plzeňské městské dopravní podniky

PRK Partners

PRK Partners‘ team has ‘unparalleled expertise not only in energy and environmental issues, construction development and permitting, long-term projects completion but also financing, tax and M&A.’ In addition to having a core strength in traditional oil and gas projects, the firm also has a growing renewables practice, led by Václav Bílý. With the firm having an office in Ostrava, it also has a key presence in matters connected with the developing Moravian-Silesian region. Jakub Lichnovský heads up the group, which also includes Martin Kříž, Roman Pečenka and Canadian-qualified disputes expert Daniel Rosický.

Practice head(s):

Jakub Lichnovský

Testimonials

‘PRK has a highly qualified projects and energy team led by Mr. Jakub Lichnovský, partner, head of the project, energy and development team at PRK Partners. They have unparalleled expertise not only in energy and environmental issues, construction development and permitting, long-term projects completion, but also financing, tax and M&A.’

‘Jakub Lichnovský is unique in delivering complex strategic guidance and handling all legal aspects of demanding projects. We consider Jakub to be unparalleled as regards business judgement, planning, negotiation and establishing a system in all aspects of work. Jakub is unique in his understanding of the project, real estate, regulatory and construction issues, as well as energy and environmental issues and commercial aspects.’

Key clients

ČD Cargo a.s.

Asental Land s.r.o.

AmpluServis, a.s.

UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s.

International Campus Group AG

KSR Industrial, s.r.o.

Work highlights

  • Providing comprehensive legal advice to a KSR Industrial, s.r.o.in connection with the purchase of land for a new production plant.

act Randa Havel Legal

act Randa Havel Legal's team garners praise for its ‘strong knowledge about technological plants and great knowledge about all processes in each stage of project execution.’ It focuses on the financing and construction of power units, advising on traditional projects, as well as photovoltaic solar projects. Waste management is another strength. Jan Havel and Alois Šatava co-head the team. Also recommended are Tomáš Slabý and Jan Ožana, both of whom have EPC contract drafting experience.

Practice head(s):

Jan Havel; Alois Šatava

Other key lawyers:

Tomáš Slabý; Jan Ožana

Testimonials

‘Strong knowledge about technological plants and great knowledge about all processes in each stage of project execution.’

‘Jan Havel – great performance and good predictor of potential issues with contracts. Jan Ozana – very good performance in revising of technical and commercial contracts.’

‘The team of this law firm is very well put together. The law firm has a real and respected expert for each field and we are sure that the tasks they help us with will be regarded and reviewed from multiple angles so there are no sudden surprises. Jan Havel, the energy business hero, is a true expert.’

‘Jan Havel – the well-known expert in the energy field that everyone working in this field would like to have on his/her side. He is the advantage on your side.’

‘According to our opinion, RANDA HAVEL LEGAL have a very strong and flexible team focused on EPC projects and IT contracts. We mainly appreciate their knowledge and fast reaction, if necessary.’

‘Jan Havel is very professional, flexible and always willing to help the client’s needs. He is perfectly oriented in problems of the sector and also very good in foreign law aspects.’

‘I can pick out the team because of its unique expertise in energy law, its network, and the fact that the lawyers are always looking for a solution and are open to innovative concepts.’

‘Jan Havel, a partner, has deep knowledge of Czech energy regulation and regulatory workings, which he is able to share in an easy-to-understand and commercially astute way. Tomáš Slabý, a partner, is methodical, well organised and consistent in the work he delivers.’

Key clients

Tire Machinery and Engineering Company, s.r.o.

Plynostav – regulace plynu, a.s.

Pražské služby, a.s.

G – Team a.s.

JUFA Investment Group

Zdroj pitné vody Káraný, a.s.

CZT Velké Hamry s.r.o.

Synthomer a.s.

Teplárna České Budějovice, a.s.

Teplárenské sdružení České republiky

VEOLIA Energie ČR, a.s.

Františkolázeňská výtopna, s.r.o.

ACS International s.r.o.

Work highlights

  • Advising JUFA Investment Group on the acquisitions of 12 photovoltaic power plants.
  • Providing comprehensive legal services to Veolia Energie ČR, a.s. in connection with disconnecting customers from the heat supply system.
  • Providing Association for the District Heating of the Czech Republic with analysis of its disconnection from the central heat supply system.

Allen & Overy

Jointly led by Dan Cocker, Prokop Verner and Petr Vybiral, Allen & Overy‘s team acts as a one-stop shop for global clients on projects in the Czech Republic, as well as those in CEE and SEE, Africa and the Far East. Its wide-ranging expertise includes joint ventures, project structures and financing arrangements. The firm acts for a broad base of stakeholders, including sponsors, public sector entities, construction companies and lenders. Recent work included acting for funds managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (Europe) Limited (MIRA) on the acquisition of Romanian power production assets from ČEZ Group. Counsel Ivan Telecký joined the team in early 2022 from Deloitte Legal s.r.o., advokátní kancelář.

Practice head(s):

Dan Cocker; Prokop Verner; Petr Vybíral

Other key lawyers:

Petra Myšáková; Jan Skuhravý; Ivan Telecký

Key clients

LABE WOOD s.r.o.

KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and EBRD

Ball Beverage Packaging Czech Republic

Česká spořitelna, a.s.

Komerční banka, a.s.

Československá obchodní banka, a.s.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Bayerische Landesbank

J&T IB and Capital Markets, a.s

J&T BANKA, a.s.

Work highlights

  • Advised Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets on the €1bn acquisition of Romanian power generation, distribution and supply assets from ČEZ Group.
  • Advised Ball Beverage Packaging Czech Republic on the purchase and subsequent construction manufacturing plant.
  • Advised LABE WOOD s.r.o. on project financing provided for the construction and operation of a sawmill.

bpv Braun Partners s.r.o.

bpv Braun Partners s.r.o.'s projects team has longstanding experience in the energy industry, where it provides regulatory, transactional and contractual services to clients. It has a particular strength in the photovoltaic power sector, advising on both transactions and financing. The firm also handles contentious matters. Marc Müller, David Vosol and Pavel Vincík co-head the team. Associate Michal Fógel is known for his litigation expertise.

Practice head(s):

Marc Müller; David Vosol; Pavel Vincík

Other key lawyers:

Michal Fógel

Key clients

Antaris Solar AG

Dobrá Energie

E.ON Česká republika

EP Energy Trading

Frowilpex

Greenbuddies

HERIMETRON

Kuwait Petroleum

Photovoltaic Power Plants

Tengelmann Energie

WEB Windenergie

Glatzová & Co., s.r.o.

Glatzová & Co., s.r.o. is particularly regarded for its power plant and logistics project development expertise. Beyond that, it advises major Czech banks on the infrastructure financing process and it also litigates in civil law and regulatory matters. According to a client, practice head Erik Kolan is ‘an outstanding lawyer, who always finds a solution when we need one.’ Tomas Kessler is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Erik Kolan

Other key lawyers:

Tomas Kessler

Testimonials

‘Glatzova offers great legal knowledge and client service for reasonable legal fees.’

‘Erik Kolan is an outstanding lawyer, who always finds a solution when we need one.’

‘The team is diverse and so this practice is able to serve well as a one-stop shop for various legal advisory. Given a growth the practice has experienced in recent years we highly value broader coverage and professional manner in which our tasks are managed. Key capabilities: negotiation, business acumen, efficiency.’

‘Mr. Erik Kolan, one of the best transaction lawyers: highly analytical, with proper commercial awareness, able to understand the needs of both parties to get the deal done. Mr. Tomas Kessler, senior associate: always delivering high-quality work under tight time constraints given, outstanding attention to detail, analytical and efficient.’

Key clients

CENTROPOL ENERGY

Obchodní areál Vídeňská s.r.o.

Erste Group Immorent ČR s.r.o.

Centropol Trading, s.r.o.

Portiva

Vattenfall Energy Trading GmbH

Discovery Group

Mondi Štětí a.s.

Solar Černilov s.r.o.

AHP HoldCo

FgroupKOVOŠROT GROUP

Mendel Plaza a.s.

Bohemia Properties a.s.

PH Real, a.s.

Raeder & Falge s.r.o.

Pražská energetika a.s.

Work highlights

  • Acted for Pražská energetika a.s. on a development project regarding the development of a solar power plant.
  • Acted for Kovošrot Group on the sale and redevelopment of several extensive industrial sites.
  • Advising CENTROPOL ENERGY  on a development project involving a new industrial zone in Ústí nad Labem.

ROWAN LEGAL

Market leaders in the waste and water infrastructure sectors, ROWAN LEGAL advises public and private sector clients alike on major project development. The team also acts on mid-value energy sector matters, and on urban infrastructure projects. Its regulatory and compliance team is also key. Team leader Vilém Podešva offers ‘wide experience in public procurement law, competition law and energy/utilities projects’. Lukáš Sommer is also key, advising on water asset management.

Practice head(s):

Vilém Podešva

Other key lawyers:

Lukáš Sommer

Testimonials

‘We have worked with Rowan legal for several years. We are very satisfied. They are flexible, innovative and always explain clearly. They know our needs and goals. They are the best in area energy and competition in the Czech Market. I do not know any other company who has the same mix of knowledge such a high level – energy, competition, public procurement.’

‘Vilém Podešva – expert lawyer in competition, energy and public procurement, approachable, flexible and great leader. He is very experienced with dealing with UOHS.’

‘Rowan legal’s in-depth knowledge of water infrastructure issues, combined with their public procurement experience, make them a truly exceptional partner for these projects. From our perspective, there is no one better in the market. They are always thinking one step ahead and alert us on possible issues. They are really unique in setting up a team of lawyers specifically to our needs.’

‘Vilém Podešva – an excellent lawyer with wide experience in public procurement law, competition law and energy/utility projects. Lukáš Sommer – a lawyer with deep knowledge and experience with legal aspects of water infrastructure.’

Key clients

EG.D, a.s.

Pražská vodohospodářská společnost a.s.

Statutární město Brno

Statutární město Olomouc

Severočeská vodárenská společnost a.s.

Czech Republic – Ministry of Industry and Trade

AVE CZ odpadové hospodářství, s. r. o.

Natland Group

Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Ředitelství silnic a dálnic ČR

Work highlights

  • Prepared tender documents for EG.D,  including contract documentation and complete administration of 33 interdependent tender procedures.
  • Advised PVS on the transformation of the operation model of Prague’s water supply infrastructure after 2028.
  • Analysed the management and operation of the water infrastructure system of the City of Brno after 2025.

Weinhold Legal

Based out of offices in Prague and Brno, the team at Weinhold Legal acts for clients in the energy, transport, infrastructure and utilities sectors. Project and acquisition finance transactions are a key strength, with the group acting for banks and borrowers. Elsewhere, on the contentious side, the group also acts for clients in construction disputes. Daniel Weinhold leads the team. Martin Lukáš is noted for his procurement and restructuring experience in relation to energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Weinhold

Other key lawyers:

Martin Lukáš;

Testimonials

‘I trust Weinhold Legal and their advice. They are very cooperative, know our business and needs and their advice is always useful. Good value for money.’

‘I work with Martin Lukas. I have recommended the firm’s work to a couple of my business associates in the construction industry and that they currently advise others on construction disputes. They do it well.’

Key clients

Grandi Stazioni

Smržov 5

Elektrikarska společnost

Vodohospodářské zařízení Šumperk

Obec Dubno

ProPark

BEZPETEK